Writer's Life: Candice Sue Patterson

Welcome to another edition of Writer's Life, my interview series with authors of inspirational romance. Today I have the pleasure of hosting Candice Sue Patterson! Candice and I met online through ACFW, and I'm so happy to have her here! She has two beautiful Christmas novellas published through White Rose Press (Pelican Book Group), and she's graciously giving away a copy of her Christmas novella, Silver White Winters. Enter the contest below!

Let's get to it!

1. What about writing makes your heart sing?

Writing is therapeutic for me. I’m an emotional person, I feel deeply, and writing is an outlet for all that craziness. I love creating three-dimensional characters who face real issues and learn lasting lessons. One thing about writing that surprises me the most is that I learn something through the story, whether it’s realizing that I’m struggling with the same hurdle as the characters or discovering something about myself I never knew before. God truly speaks to me through my writing.

2.  What is the biggest hurdle you’re facing right now as a writer?

Knowing what direction to take next. Do I continue to stay at home and write full-time, or work a part-time job now that our youngest is reaching school age? Things like that. I’m also seeking an agent right now, which takes patience. Something I’m not great at.  

3. What do you do to fill your creative well?

I read! Inspirational romance is my favorite genre, but I also read historical fiction and non-fiction, biographies, and non-fiction on subjects I’ve always wanted to learn about. This sparks ideas for new stories and causes me to reflect on my own life.

4. What are you working on now?

I’m currently seeking a publisher for a novel I’ve been writing over the last two years set in coastal Maine. In the meantime, I’m working on the first draft of the next novel in the series.

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Thank you so much for being my guest today, Candice! I completely understand about not knowing which direction to take. I reviewed all my options several times over the years. I hope you find your path soon! And I love that you grow with your stories. I do too. I'm often surprised by the spiritual applications that pop up!

***

About Candace ~

Candice Sue Patterson studied at the Institute of Children’s Literature and is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons in a restored farmhouse overtaken by books. When she’s not tending to her chickens, splitting wood, or decorating cakes, she’s working on a new story. Candice writes contemporary romance with threads of nostalgia. Her debut novella Bright Copper Kettles is available now. Connect with Candice on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.

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Click on the book above to purchase through Pelican Book Group! Other merchants linked below.

Silver White Winters ~

She thought she had it all. Until she discovered the treasures in the snow. 

          Country music singer/songwriter Raelynn Rivers is a has-been. According to the latest gossip magazines, that is. Her last number-one hit was six years ago, and her songwriting ability has vanished. Her foundering career is all she has left, and she’s determined to once again hold the title of “Country Music Queen.” But Raelynn’s dreams are derailed when a coal mine collapses in her home town of Eve Hollow, West Virginia, trapping her daddy and brother inside.

            The man in charge of the mine rescue is Lane Ryan, her childhood best friend and the former fiancé she abandoned twelve years ago for her career. In the snow-covered mountains of Appalachia, Raelynn reconnects with family and rediscovers her musical abilities—and her faith. And no one has inspired her more than Lane. She’s finally ready for a relationship, but the secret Lane carries around is as big as Coal Mountain.

            Will Raelynn sacrifice her title, or say goodbye to Lane forever? 

Available Now!!

Purchase through Barnes & Noble
Purchase through Amazon
Purchase through Christianbook.com

***

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you read any Christmas books or watched any movies yet?

Have a wonderful day!! 

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Tomorrow Is Thanksgiving: Guest Elizabeth Maddrey

I'm excited to be hosting special guests for the next several Wednesdays! Please join me in welcoming Elizabeth Perry Maddrey!

***

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving.

I’ll let that sink in for a moment, because if you’re like me, that totally snuck up on you. Every year, I have these great plans about how I’m going to plan my menu at the start of the month and I’m going to shop early so I’m not stuck deciding between a thirty-four pound turkey or two six-pound turkeys to feed the twelve people that generally make up our family Thanksgiving dinner. Every year…I fail. Miserably.

And so, it’s good that Jill asked me to write this ahead of time, because chances are, right now? I’m standing in the grocery store along with nineteen million men (it’s always men. I guess most of the women had their act together and just had to send their hubby out for one or two items.) trying to pick through the emaciated sweet potatoes that no one wanted, hoping to find one or two that are actually worth eating. You’ll know it’s me because I have the two screaming children in the cart, both incredibly unhappy about being at the grocery store when they should be at home eating dinner. And I’d have happily left them there, except my own husband is stuck in the insane traffic that plagues the DC area on any kind of day ending in ‘y’, but especially on holiday weekends.

This has become my Thanksgiving tradition. I’m not sure it’s a good one to have, but I’ll admit that, to me at least, it still kind of beats the one my mom tried so hard to instill when we were kids (everyone got kernels of corn at their dinner seat, then we had to say one thankful thing for each kernel. Nice idea. Crazy cheesy to the two sarcastic teens that she birthed.)

But even with the craziness that has come to define my shopping (and it usually trickles into the cooking and serving portion of the meal, if we’re honest), I have to say I love Thanksgiving. I love that there’s a whole day set aside to encourage us to be thankful – and the older I get, I begin to understand Mom and her corn kernels a bit better. Because in addition to reminding myself to be thankful (something that’s so easy to forget to do when you’re wrapped up in the day-to-day of life), I love hearing other people talk about the things they’re thankful for. Inevitably, that reminds me of even more that I appreciate. And so on, and so forth.

And then, let’s be honest, there’s pie. I’m very thankful that someone invented pie.

So tomorrow, I’ll be sitting down with my husband and our kids, my parents, my sister and her husband, my husband’s parents, and his two sisters. And we’ll have lots of (hopefully) delicious food that I’ve made and, more likely than not, we’ll spend a few minutes talking about the last year and the specific things we’re thankful for. For me, that will include gratitude for my second year as a published author with two more full-length novels and a novella already released and my third novel for the year coming out next week. I still have to stop and pinch myself when I think about the fact that I have seven—almost eight—books out there in the world for other people to read. (And I’m even more grateful that people do read them and, beyond that, enjoy them!)

I hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow, full of turkey and pie and family and, above all, thankfulness. And if, like me, you’re facing down a trip to the store today…I hope you find everything you need so you don’t have to try and substitute parsnips for potatoes.

***

About Elizabeth Maddrey ~

Elizabeth Maddrey began writing stories as soon as she could form the letters properly and has never looked back. Though her practical nature and love of math and organization steered her into computer science for college and graduate school, she has always had one or more stories in progress to occupy her free time. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth is a voracious consumer of books and has mastered the art of reading while undertaking just about any other activity. She loves to write about Christians who struggle through their lives, dealing with sin and receiving God’s grace.

Elizabeth lives in the suburbs of Washington D.C. with her husband and their two incredibly active little boys. She invites you to interact with her at her website www.ElizabethMaddrey.com, or on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+. 

Releasing December 2, 2014 – Love Defined, Book 3 in the Remnants Series

Dreams Change. Plans Fail.

July and Gareth have reached the end of their infertility treatment options.  With conflicting feelings on adoption, they struggle to discover common ground in their marriage.

Meanwhile, July's twin sister, June, and her husband, Toby, are navigating the uncertainties of adoption and the challenges of new parenthood.

How much stretching can their relationships endure before they snap?

***

Elizabeth, I can completely relate to the last minute store runs. I'm lucky to stay on top of the kids' homework. Forget the turkeys and potatoes! And I'm giggling at the corn kernel concept. It's such a "mom" thing to do. I hope you enjoy today and avoid those stores!! Thank you so much for sharing with us.

***

Okay, what's your most embarrassing moment when it comes to cooking?

When I was a newlywed, I knew nothing about cooking. I once made a stew with Kielbasa sausage and A1 sauce. Yeah, we ordered pizza that night!

Have a wonderful and very blessed Thanksgiving!! 

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Extending Grace and Offering Hope: Guest Jessica R. Patch

Today, I'm so happy to welcome one of my best friends--and gifted writer--Jessica R. Patch! She's not only taking over my blog, but she's also generously giving away her Christmas novella to anyone who signs up for her newsletter. Take it from me, this is a heartwarming story, so I hope you sign up!

***

Thanks so much for having me today, Jill!

We all struggle. We all fall short and miss the mark for sure. In my Christmas novella, Hope Under Mistletoe, my hero Knox Everhart thinks the heroine is perfect. She’s a widowed pastor’s wife, a single mom, and she’s still trying to meet the needs of the church congregants. To top that off, her father drinks too much and she’s constantly dragging him out of Knox’s bar. Here’s a small excerpt:

***

 “My dad left when I was just a kid, Eden. Some days I can’t even remember his face. No brothers and sisters. Just Nathan—and he…he had you,” he murmured. “The people in that bar, they became my family. And I liked the feeling.”

Eden’s heart exploded into a million jagged fragments.

Family. No judgment, just unconditional love. That’s what Knox craved. Didn’t everyone? She clutched his black-and-gray scarf. “That’s what the people in the church are for me.”

His sight trailed over her head, then he met her gaze. “Even the gossips? It’s no secret Betsy Davis knows everything and tells everything in the name of truth.”

“But do you know that Betsy Davis gives thousands of her hard-earned dollars to help missionaries and orphans? Did you know her husband Leonard gives free legal aid to single moms who can’t get the child support they deserve?”

“Your point?”

“Knox, none of us are without sin. We’re not perfect. We’re progress. Betsy struggles with her tongue. But she loves the Lord. So we get irked,” she snickered, “and we pray and confront her in love, and we extend mercy and grace. That’s family.”

“I think you’re perfect.”

She’d have laughed in his face if he wasn’t so serious. “I am far from perfect. My struggles aren’t on public display. They’re here.” She touched her heart. “And here.” She pointed to her head.

***

Like Eden, many of us struggle more on the inside than the outside. We wear big smiles, we fix our hair, match our scarf with our shoes and purse. We can easily look put together, can’t we? And on the inside, we’re miserable. Hurting. Suffering.

I think sometimes Christians are labeled hypocrites when really we’re just imperfect people working our way through this thing called a saved life. We slip up. We say things we shouldn’t. We sin in our anger. But then we repent, and move forward again. Oh, there are a few hypocrites—who know they’re acting opposite of how they should, they don’t repent, don’t care but never have trouble pointing the finger at someone else. Those few have a way of spoiling the good things about being about Christian for others.

At the end of the day, what Eden says rings true: “We pray, we confront in love, and we extend mercy and grace.”

“Talk and act like a person expecting to be judged by the Rule that sets us free. For if you refuse to act kindly, you can hardly expect to be treated kindly. Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time.” James 2:13 MSG

Whatever you’re going through, these words of Christ still hold weight: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 MSG

I’d love for you to subscribe to my Patched In Newsletter.  And to say thank you, you’ll receive this exclusive Christmas novella!

A rowdy bar owner. A widowed pastor’s wife. And Christmas Hope that brings them together.

After widower Eden Snow’s church almost burns to the ground, she’s compelled to find a temporary place to hold services and Christmas cantata practices.

Has-been hockey player, Knox Everhart, has a reputation for being fast on the ice and with women. Except Eden. She’s always been a fascinating mystery to him, which is why he agrees to let her use the back room of his bar—with one rule: No converting his customers.

But when Eden brings the church to the bar, it offers something the bottle can’t. Hope. And he finds himself falling in love with a woman and a Savior he feels unworthy to pursue.

***

Jessica and I at ACFW a few years ago. This is one of my favorite pictures!

Jessica R. Patch writes inspirational contemporary romance and romantic suspense. A passion to draw women into intimacy with God keeps her motivated, along with ice-cold Perrier and adventurous trips in the name of research. When she’s not hunched over her laptop or teaching the new & growing believer's class at her church, you can find her sneaking off to movies with her husband, embarrassing her daughter in unique ways, dominating her son at board games, and collecting recipes to wonderful dishes she'll probably never cook. She is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.

Connect with Jessica on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and her website! 

***

Thank you SO much for being my guest today, Jessica!!

When do you put up your Christmas decorations?

Have a lovely day!

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Top 10 Things to Do After Thanksgiving Besides Shopping: Guest Krista Phillips

I'm excited to be hosting special guests for the next several Wednesdays! Please join me in welcoming Krista Phillips!

TOP TEN things to do the day after Thanksgiving BESIDES shopping...

Want some ideas for things to do on Black Friday... that DON'T involve braving the crowds and shopping? Because you KNOW that's not what you want to be doing....

10.) Eat. More. Turkey. Sandwiches.

9.) Read a good book.. or two... or three. (One about, uh, sandwiches, would be a GREAT option!)

8.) Go golfing. Mini-golf is fine. Even golfing on the WII. Or I'm sure they make some golf app for your phone.

7.) Sleep. Turkey does have that effect on people.

6.) Go to the gym. WORK off those calories you just ate! It'll probably take you ALL DAY LONG, but you can do it.

5.) Put up Christmas decorations. Spend hours on a ladder only to find that one bad bulb made your whole string of lights not work. Spend a few more hours trying to find which bulb is bad. This is fun. I promise.

4.) Board games. Lots and lots and lots of board games.

3.) Go to work. I know you'll be the only one there, but think of how much stuff you can get caught up on with no one there bother you.

2.) Go visit Grandma. I know you just visited her yesterday, but hey. She loves seeing her grandkids. Why not two days in a row?

And the number one thing to do the day after Thanksgiving besides shopping is......

Go take coffee (or Hot chocolate…) to your friends who are standing in line to get that deal that really isn't all that great.

Just whatever you do... DON'T GO SHOPPING.

(and, I, uh, definitely don't say this to help make the lines shorter and encourage more people not to shop so I can shop with better ease... nope... not at ALL...*ahem*)

So... what is YOUR after Thanksgiving tradition? Do you have one?

Me? Well, I think you already know. You'll find me shopping! (I'm not a fan of the whole Thanksgiving day thing though... but 4am on Black Friday? I'm THERE! It's a tradition!!)

*** 

About Krista ~

Krista Phillips is the author of Sandwich, with a Side of Romance and A Side of Faith. She enjoys life with her husband and their four beautiful daughters in Tennessee. She is an advocate for congenital heart defect and organ donation awareness and blogs at www.kristaphillips.com.

Connect with Krista on Facebook and Twitter.

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A Side of Faith

He is everything she never wanted...

Rachel Carter is on top of the world. A new job in a new town, friends, and a house to call her own. Men? Eh, someday. And when the time comes, she’ll go for a nice safe geek or something. She will NOT be repeating the mistakes of her youth. 

But then Cameron Foster comes knocking on her door, reminding her of the man she vows never to think of again.

God wouldn’t send her a man who reminds her of everything she is trying to put behind her...would He?

Interested in purchasing A Side of Faith? The following sites are linked! 

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo

***

Thank you so much for being my guest today, Krista! I'm definitely planning on reading and getting hot chocolate!

It's giveaway time!! Leave your email address in the comments of this post for your chance to win a copy of BOTH Krista's books, Sandwich with a Side of Romance and her novella, A Side of Faith.

 Contest is open to U.S. residents 18 and older. Winner will be randomly selected from the comments on Saturday, November 15 and  notified via email the following week.

Back to Krista's question:

So... what is YOUR after Thanksgiving tradition? Do you have one?

Have a terrific day!!

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I Now Offer Paid Critiques

Two weeks before getting "the call" (you can read about it in "Celebration Time, I Sold!"), I decided to offer a paid critique service. I'm happy to announce The Critique Boutique is now open!

I've belonged to several critique groups over the years, and I currently have two excellent cp's who have become two of my best friends. (Thank you, Wendy Paine Miller and Jessica R. Patch!) I'm blessed that way! But I didn't always have reliable critique partners. In fact, I had long periods with no extra insight on my manuscripts. During those times I had to rely on contest feedback and my own revising skills.

Guess what? Contest feedback and my revising skills weren't enough, and I knew it. But I wasn't comfortable asking just anyone to read my work, and I couldn't afford an expensive freelance editor. So I made an effort with other bloggers, reached out to those I thought would be a good fit and slowly forged the relationships needed to have strong, long-lasting partnerships.

Along the way, I learned a lot. I've critiqued books in a wide array of romance genres: paranormal, historical, contemporary, urban fantasy, inspirational, and women's fiction with romantic elements. Additionally, I joined RWA and took advantage of everything it had to offer, including joining a local chapter (I served on the board of MVRWA for four years), studying the monthly magazine (RWR), and attending their annual conference to pitch, take classes, and network with other romance writers.

About five years ago, I joined ACFW and got serious about learning how to write Christian romance. I finaled in the Frasier contest (2012) and the Genesis contest (2013). Over the last seven years, I've studied more than thirty books on the writing craft. Additionally, I've worked hard at building my author platform. I can spot weaknesses and strengths in a writer's web-presence because I constantly analyze my own.

In April 2015, my debut novel, Small-Town Bachelor, releases through Harlequin Love Inspired. All that work paid off, and my writing wouldn't be where it is today without valuable feedback.

While I'm able to spot strengths and weaknesses in all fiction, I only critique sweet or inspirational romance novels. Why? I'm the most qualified to give advice for sweet or inspirational romance whether it's historical, romantic suspense, or contemporary. I read many books in these genres and understand the markets for them.

What Services are Offered in the Critique Boutique?

1. First Chapter Critique
2. First 50 Pages Critique
3. Synopsis Critique
4. Social Media Evaluation

In addition to a quick turnaround and affordable rates, you can expect an honest, thorough critique. I consider it a privilege to read your work. 

*Due to time constraints, I do not offer full manuscript critiques.

For a full breakdown of services, prices, my qualifications, testimonials, and terms, go to Critique Boutique. It's also a permanent tab on my navigation bar. If you have any questions, please e-mail me at critique(at)jillkemerer(dot)com. Just type "Critique question" in the subject line.

Would you help me spread the word about the Critique Boutique? You can share this post on Facebook or Tweet about it by clicking on the buttons below. 

Thank you!

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How to Get a Lot Done This October

I love the first day of October! I really don't know why. It just makes me happy. :)

I have big plans for October. One thing I've learned over the years? I have to be deliberate with my time. It's way too easy to slip into bad habits. My days get away from me, and at the end of the month I'm scratching my head and wondering why I didn't get anything done. Not this month!

Here's how I'm making the most of October:

1. Write down my business commitments.

Several things are already on my calendar. One of my critique partners sent her novel (yay!) and my other partner will be sending a novella (yay!) mid-month. I also have a guest blog post to put together, and I need to finish and submit a contracted short story. Additionally, the first of the month is when I update my website, so I'll be tackling that today.

2. Identify my main goal--the project that's most important for me to work on.

My main goal isn't listed on the business commitments above. I plotted a new novel this summer, and I want to write a large chunk of the rough draft. I add this to the list.

3. Review the family calendar. 

I'm blessed to be able to work from home, but most days I feel as if I have a second job on the night shift due to my children's activities. Weeknights mean cross country and football practice, cooking dinner and homework assistance. On weekends, my daughter has cross country meets, my son has baseball scrimmages and he's taking catechism classes.

Why is it important to keep these activities in mind? It's very, very hard for me to squeeze writing or other business tasks in at night or on weekends. If I don't work on them during the day, they don't get done.

4. Create a plan based on the above.

Critiquing will be a nice change of pace for me, so I'm heading into critique partner #1's work first. I'll also set a few hours aside to finish writing the short story, and I'll put the guest post together. Sometime next week, I'm starting my new novel. I'll also schedule time to revise the short story. When critique partner #2's novella arrives in my in-box, I'll probably start critiquing it and lower my word count for that week. Then, it's writing, writing, writing until the end of the month.

5. Set personal goals.

My personal goals this month are to continue my exercise routine and eat at least one serving of raw vegetables a day.

***

Organizing my month this way allows me to be flexible and gives more weight to my motivation.

You might want to add extra goals such as heading to the pumpkin patch, decorating the house for fall, or trying that new recipe. I hung a fall wreath on the door, so I'm good on decorating, and I'll be purchasing pumpkins from the ginormous cardboard box at Kroger. In the past, we've had lazy Octobers where I can make homemade cinnamon buns and spend a day at an apple orchard, but this is not that October!

I don't mind. I've accepted that each year brings its own challenges. If I can squeeze in an afternoon at a local park to take pictures of the fall colors, I'll be happy!

What do you want to accomplish this month?

Have a fabulous day!!

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Writer's Life: Christina Lorenzen

Welcome to another edition of Writer's Life! Every Wednesday features a writer of inspirational or sweet romance novels. I'm excited to share some of my favorite authors and hope you'll find new books for your to-be-read pile!

I'm so excited to host debut author Christina Lorenzen!! Christina and I met online through our social networks, and we instantly bonded. Christina is super-supportive, honest, and upbeat. She just makes me smile! Her debut novel, A Husband for Danna, released yesterday!!

Let's get to it!

1. What about writing makes your heart sing?

For me, writing is an escape from the tragedy and sorrow that is just too prevalent in our world today. I am a HUGE Hallmark Channel fan because I need happy endings. I am also a lover of small towns, tight knit communities and happily ever afters. These are the things about my writing that make my heart sing. I realize that my characters will have to face setbacks and struggles, and no story is a good story without some conflict, but in the end I can guarantee my readers a happy ever after.

2. What is the biggest hurdle you’re facing right now as a writer?

I would say that it’s a tie between self-doubt and procrastination. Or maybe it’s the self-doubt that causes the procrastination lol. I don’t outline but I keep a novel notebook for each of my books. I have a notebook going for my second story and I have a notebook for another book. But somehow I can’t seem to get started. In the back of my mind I keep thinking “What if I can’t do it again?” Writing a book, and completing it, is a huge accomplishment. Looking back at all the work it took to get this book to the point where it was accepted for publication makes me doubt I can do it again. And, of course, it’s my goal to be prolific so I have to find a way to move past the fear of becoming a ‘one hit wonder’.

3. What do you do to fill your creative well?

This is such a fun question! I’m a cat lover so when I’m feeling stressed I like to sit down with a cat and let myself go into an almost meditative state listening to their purring. When I’m feeling a bit ‘dry’ I can fill my creative well with jewelry design. Back in 2012 I was having a lot of problems with writer’s block. I visited a local craft store with my daughter, who had taken up making these yarn bracelets that were a craze at the time. I wondered into the bead aisle and was stunned at all the gorgeous beads. I bought a few things, made a few pieces and slowly it became a regular habit. I now have a shop on Etsy (Addie Frank Designs) where I sell my jewelry. But I’m also very interested in helping others and my jewelry has let me do that. I’ve donated dozens of pieces to help raise funds for a woman battling breast cancer and a child battling leukemia. Jewelry design helps me fill my creative well and help those battling cancer if only in a small way.

4. What are you working on now?

Well, I’m working on getting myself past my self-doubt lol. But seriously, I have another book that’s based on my favorite fairy tale, Rapunzel. My grandmother used to tell me that story as a child on the nights she would babysit my brother and I. I even have a dedication page in it to her. I also have an inspirational story that I’m hoping to complete by the end of the year and pitch to Harlequin’s Love Inspired line. I love reading and writing inspirational stories and I believe they do so much more than entertain readers. This is a vital genre that offers people hope, builds faith and, I believe, brings them closer in their relationship with God.

***

Christina, I totally get the self-doubt!! Starting a new project can be daunting, especially for a plotter like me. One thing that helps? I take long walks and ask a lot of what-if type questions. And I try not to force or rush the story idea process. But I still struggle with doubt. Probably always will! Your "purr" therapy is my kind of relaxation! I love cats. I'm excited to see what the future holds for you, Christina. Thanks so much for being my guest!

***

A Husband for Danna ~ 

Off and running! In her frenzied quest to escape from a groom her father has chosen for her, Danna Rashba ‘borrows’ a limousine parked on Main Street. The last thing on her mind is finding a groom from another wedding in the backseat. What are the chances that the bride and groom from two different weddings running from the altar on the same day? The last thing Danna wants is a hostage as she tries to escape from her nuptials.

The last thing Eric Harmon wants is to be saddled with yet another spoiled, needy woman. He’s furious about this wrench in his plans, he accuses Danna of stealing. He wants to send her home in a cab as soon as they get to the nearest town, but Danna refuses. Much to Eric’s frustration, one thing after another seems to keep them tied together.

Soon the generosity of a local shopkeeper and several people in town have them mistaken for newlyweds. Danna and Eric find themselves stepping into the role as husband and wife leading them to realize they just may be each other’s ‘match’. But will Danna be able to stand up to her rigid, old fashioned father and choose her own husband?

Click HERE to buy at Amazon! 

Click HERE to buy at Barnes & Noble!

***

About Christina ~ 

Christina Lorenzen started writing as a young teen, jotting stories in wire ring composition notebooks. Her first typewriter made it faster to get all those stories out of her head and down on paper. Her love of writing has sustained her through a myriad of jobs that included hairdresser, legal secretary, waitress and door-to-door saleswoman. Luckily for her, writing proved to be successful and a lot less walking than going door to door. A Husband for Danna is Christina’s first novel. She is busy working on her next. When she isn’t writing or reading, she can be found walking her dog, talking to her herd of cats and spending time with her family.

***

Do you love happy endings? (I do!!)

Have a terrific day!

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Writer's Life: Dani Pettrey

Welcome to another edition of Writer's Life! Every Wednesday features a writer of inspirational or sweet romance novels. I'm excited to share some of my favorite authors and hope you'll find new books for your to-be-read pile!

Today we have inspirational romantic suspense author, Dani Pettrey! I first met Dani last year at the ACFW annual conference. She's kind, warm, smart, and stunningly beautiful--I'm thrilled to have spent time getting to know her. Guess what? Her latest book in the Alaskan Courage series, Silenced, released this month! 

Let's get to it!

1. What about writing makes your heart sing? 

I believe God knit the love of story in my heart from a very young age. I'm fascinated by the power of story--how it can transport you to another time and place. Stories (via novels or movies) have impacted me profoundly. They've helped me see things from a different perspective, introduced me to new cultures, inspired hope, and have even made me a better person. That's what makes my heart sing about writing, the humble hope that my stories may touch my readers' lives in a similar way.  

2. What is the biggest hurdle you're facing right now as a writer?

Time management. Life is a juggling act and the writing life is no different. As a writer you have to balance your creative writing time with the business side of writing—deadlines, accounting, marketing, etc. I haven't quite figured out the balance yet, but I'm hoping one day I'll hit my groove :) 

3. What do you do to fill your creative well?

Read books that inspire me, watch good movies, go for a hike, or even simply sit on the beach and daydream. Taking a rest from writing and letting my mind wander is what works best for me. 

4. What are you working on now?

I just turned in the final book in my Alaskan Courage series. It was a bittersweet experience. I've spent the past five years with the McKenna family so saying goodbye was difficult, but, at the same time, I'm looking forward to beginning a new series. It'll be a four book series that will be set in the Chesapeake Bay area. I'm very excited to share my little corner of the world with my readers. 

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Dani, I agree with you on how stories inspire us. My life has been touched by countless stories. I'm so grateful for all the writers who shared their books with the world. Time management is a toughie. If you figure out the secret, please share it with us! And how exciting about your new series. I'd love to visit the Chesapeake Bay area, so reading your books will be a primer for me. Thanks so much for being my guest today! 

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Silenced ~

Jake Knew Something Was Wrong. 
But He Never Guessed How Wrong. 


A relaxing day of rock climbing takes a disturbing turn when Kayden McKenna's route brings her face-to-face with a dead climber. Is it a terrible accident or something darker? When the case is handed to overburdened sheriff Landon Grainger, he turns to Jake Westin for help. With Jake's past now revealed, he's ready to use his talent for investigation again--but he could never prepare for where the mystery will take him.

Kayden's climbing expertise soon leads her and Jake to the realization that the death was no accident. And worse, it seems the killer is onto them. When strange things begin happening in Yancey, Jake is terrified that once again his world may put someone he loves in danger. But the truth is far worse than he could ever imagine. 

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About Dani ~

Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the romantic suspense series Alaskan Courage, which includes her bestselling novels, Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, and her latest release, Silenced. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves--the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of her characters' faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their daughters, son-in-law, and super adorable grandson.

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Have you ever been to Alaska? Do you want to go? I would love to see this beautiful state!!

Have a terrific day!

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Writer's Life: Melissa Tagg

Welcome to another edition of Writer's Life! Every Wednesday features a romance writer of inspirational or sweet romance novels. I'm excited to share some of my favorite authors and hope you'll find new books for your to-be-read pile!

Today we have the fabulous Melissa Tagg!! Melissa writes contemporary romance for the inspirational market. Her latest, Here to Stay, released this week! I spent ten minutes debating with myself about the cover, and in the end, I decided it's my favorite romance cover of 2014. Isn't it pretty? I'm a sucker for small towns, brick sidewalks, and cute couples. :) My review is posted at the end of the interview.

Let's get to it!!

1. What about writing makes your heart sing?

Writing The End. LOL! No but seriously, probably what most makes my heart sing are those moments when I'm deep in a scene and the characters suddenly start doing things I didn't expect, saying things I didn't plan on...when the words almost don't feel like my own. Especially if it's a serious scene...those are just amazing moments as a writer. And it's often those moments when a nugget of truth comes to light and I have the realization that God has me writing this story at this time for a reason...and that he's changing me or working in my heart. 

2. What is the biggest hurdle you're facing right now as a writer?

Hands-down my biggest hurdle is time and focus. I work full-time at a nonprofit organization, and I do try to, you know, have a social life. Haha! So doing the writing thing on top of that is a lot. I often feel like I'm working two full-time jobs. But I keep telling myself, this is the season I'm in right now. Embrace it! 

3. What do you do to fill your creative well?

Spend time with family for sure. Nothing relaxes and reenergizes me as much as spending a Sunday afternoon with family. Too, I love classic movies...especially classic movies with witty and fast-paced dialogue. (I'm sorry, so many of today's movies are sooo lacking in brilliant dialogue! If that makes me sound like a snob, well, so be it.) So sometimes if I'm feeling less-than-creative, I'll go watch one of my favorite movies to get inspired.

4. What are you working on next?

Well, when this interview goes up, I will be just days away from the deadline for my third book! It's called From the Start and it comes out in spring 2015. It's the start of a new series that takes place in Iowa and features the Walker family. The first book in the series is about Kate Walker, a romantic movie scriptwriter who doesn't believe in love, and a brooding-but-adorable ex-NFL-er named Colton Greene. This summer I'll be writing a novella to preclude and introduce the new series, and soon after, I'll start on the second book in the series. So...lots of writing in my world this year!

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 Melissa, I think we can all relate on struggling to balance our time. You really are working two full-time jobs. Writing involves so much more than just putting words down! I'm with you on classic movies. In my twenties, I had a thing for Cary Grant movies. Just love the dialogue, sets, and proper clothing! Congratulations on finishing book three (I have complete faith you'll make that deadline without any problem)! And thanks for being my guest today!

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Blake Hunziker has played nomad for five years and landed in his fair share of trouble too. But now he’s finally returning to his hometown–the Lake Michigan tourist town of Whisper Shore. Counting on a not-so-warm welcome, he’s surprised at not only a positive reception but also a job offer. Determined to settle down and prove himself responsible, he agrees to the catch that comes with the job offer–coordinating the annual Christmas festival–even though he has no idea how he’ll pull it off.

Autumn Kingsley, inn owner and experienced organizer of the Christmas festival, has always dreamed of traveling the world. Now she has a job opportunity in Paris and a surprise potential investor coming to town who just might take on her family’s inn and finally leave her free to go. The only problem is that she has just two weeks to whip the inn into shape.

Their families have a long history of not getting along, but when Blake comes to Autumn for help with the festival, she actually agrees…in exchange for his help with the repairs to her inn. They may have struck a simple deal, but complications are quick to pile on when the guy who’s had enough of running away and the woman who can’t wait to leave join forces.

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Melissa Tagg, author of Made to Last and Here to Stay, is a former reporter and total Iowa girl. In addition to her homeless ministry day job, she is also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for writers. When she’s not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next book. She’s passionate about humor, grace, and happy endings. Melissa blogs regularly and loves connecting with readers at www.melissatagg.com.

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My Review ~ 5 Stars!!

Charming, whimsical, and oh-so-warm, I loved Here to Stay! Ms. Tagg excels at writing lovable characters. Since I spend time every summer on Lake Michigan, I especially enjoyed the autumn setting on the lake. Look for fun cameos by Miranda Woodruff from the first book in the series, Made to Last. With a strong romance, touching spiritual journeys, and comedic situations, Here to Stay is a must read! 

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What do you look for in a cover? Does a gorgeous one make you more likely to read a book?

Have a fantastic day!!

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